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The Jews (Falasha) of northwestern Ethiopia are a unique example of a Jewish group living within an ancient, non-Western, predominantly Christian society. Hagar Salamon presents the first in-depth study of this group, called the "Hyena people" by their non-Jewish neighbors. Based on more than 100 interviews with Ethiopian immigrants now living in Israel, Salamon's book explores the Ethiopia within as seen through the lens of individual memories and expressed through ongoing dialogues. It is an ethnography of the fantasies and fears that divide groups and, in particular, Jews and non-Jews.
Recurring patterns can be seen in Salamon's interviews, which thematically touch on religious disputations, purity and impurity, the concept of blood, slavery and conversion, supernatural powers, and the metaphors of clay vessels, water, and fire.
The Hyena People helps unravel the complex nature of religious coexistence in Ethiopia and also provides important new tools for analyzing and evaluating inter-religious, interethnic, and especially Jewish-Christian relations in a variety of cultural and historical contexts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Some White Washing
I really appreciate the author getting this information out of our modern history and plight.But I have the opinion the author should have exercised more caution not to manipulate the wording which can change the whole character and concept of the stories.Being a Beta-Israel or "Falasha" of direct Ethiopian heritage I found it annoying that the author uses the eurocentric term"Jew" to describe our people instead of "Hebrew" which are those Ethiopians who practice the ancestral rituals of the Semitic/Judaic faith. We were never "Jews" in Ethiopia, only Hebrews. or whatever the local people considered us to be based on their misunderstanding the strict doctrines of our faith.Though in some circles the word FaIasha connotes something negative, at least I know better of it's origin.

Well-done, but incomplete
Excellent academic account of Ethiopian Jewish-Christian rivalry in native Ethiopia. The author has conducted "exit"-style interviews, anthro style, with Ethiopian Jewish emigrees to Israel, once settled in the Holy Land, about their experiences with Christian neighbors back in Ethiopia. The info gleaned is priceless, unsettling, and invited as many questions as answers. The profundity of the Ethiopian Jewish experience is something Global Jewry is only beginning to grasp (caught up earlier, unfortunately, in a "are you *really* Jewish game", perhaps a (unnecessary) defensive formation towards a potentially more legitimate (strictly Old Testament) African Jewish experience?). This book makes a credible and substantive contribution towards this new realization.
My only critique of the book is in the author's somewhat cliched "academic" response to the Beta Israel's spiritual beliefs. Like most Western textual analysis, the author downplays any claims to legitimacy in the Beta Israel's "animistic" or "superstitious" beliefs, choosing instead to explain them away with rational pseudo-psychological explanations. Sometimes these explanations are plausible; sometimes they seem more like a desperate attempt to "colonize" or "own" the Beta Israel's experience by virtue of being able to dissect and explain it. At these junctures in the book, I think it would have been more appropriate of the author to simply let the stories speak for themselves, and let the reader draw their own conclusions.

That said, it is still an excellent book and I'm glad the author did the no doubt difficult work of compiling these stories. Hopefully, we will see more work like this before the generation that was part of this Exodus passes.
Ethiopian-inspired Cooking, Vegetarian Specialties

good, but academic
This book was fascinating. Unfortuanetly, it is written in a highly academic style, making it a bit dry. I found the first couple of chapters slow, buit then it got more interesting, with great quotes, really getting into the subject of what it was like ot be a Jew in Ethiopia. ... Read more

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Ethiopia's political independence, won in part by adaptation to modern forms of warfare at the end of the 19th century, allowed it to control, more than any other contemporary African state, its further economic and political engagement with the West, and to chart for itself its own patterns of modernization. Under Menilek's direction and encouragement a steady stream of Ethiopians was sent around the world to study in many different countries. They returned with the skills of their new education in Europe and America, and at home they began to lay the foundations of a new literature and political philosophy. Intellectuals were not just the servants of the state under Menilek and his successors, but increasingly they were its critics. Their numbers were decimated by the Italian reprisals after the Graziani massacre in 1937; the surviving intellectuals formed the nucleus around which Emperor Hayla-Sallase rebuilt his administration after the Italian defeat in the Second World War. North America: Ohio U Press;Ethiopia: Addis Ababa U Press (PB) ... Read more

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After assuming power in 1974, the military regime embarked on a program to improve the condition of peasants, but famine and hunger continued despite this effort, which was supplemented by substantial foreign assistance. Moreover, the escalation of the military campaign against the insurgent movements in Eritrea, Tigray, and the Ogaden forced thousands of Ethiopians to flee into neighboring countries. ... Read more

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Ras Alula was one of the big men or Telek Saw who played aprominent role in the making of modern Ethiopia. He was famous enoughto be lamented by a British historian as, "the greatest leader thatabyssinia has produced since the death of the emperor Theodore in1868." As remembered by the Ethiopians and reflected in theirliterature, "The famous and brave Ras Alula." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This is unique, interesting and well documented book
I read with great interest Haggai's latest book: "Ras Alula and the Scramble for Africa: A Political Biography: Ethiopia & Eritrea 1875-1897"

As most people agree this is unique, interesting and well documented book. Only I wish, for historical reason, the title was different. For instance Abyssinia rather than "Eritrea & Ethiopia" because these names were given by colonial powers that divided and ruled the country with disastrous consequence that we all know.

He should be applauded for his effort and great interest in Abyssinian unique history.

Deborah Jessie
Paris, France ... Read more

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This is the story of two "firsts". It is the story of the first successful attempt by Allied forces during World War II, to support and sustain a local resistance movement, with regular forces in enemy-held territory. It also describes how Ethiopia became the first nation conquered by the Axis to be freed. The campaign in Ethiopia might appear small in relation to the war in the whole of East Africa, but it had great military importance. In 1941 the British Commonwealth, the Indian and the Sudanese forces, with the Patriots - local chiefs and their followers who resisted the Italian occupation - advanced into Italian East Africa and defeated the Italian armies. David Shirreff, who also served in the campaign, gives an account of how Colonel Orde Wingate, with his Gideon force, compelled the surrender of a large part of the Italian forces. Shirreff also explores the role of Brigadier Daniel Sandford, now an almost forgotten commander, in organizing his Mission 101, and the sustained rebellion of the Patriots. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A complete account of the exploits of Gideon Force
This book is perhaps the best source of information for one interested in the part that Gideon Force, commanded by Orde Wingate, played in restoring the Emperor to his throne in Ethiopia. The only other book that is comparable is 'Im Wingate B'Kush' (With Wingate in Abyssinia) by Avraham Akavia, but to my knowledge the latter has not been translated from the original Hebrew. Shirreff turns a critical and fair eye toward the campaign, albeit with an eye toward correcting what he perceives as slights to the reputation of Daniel Sanford, whose participation in the campaign has not acheived the status of legend that Wingate's actions did. Regardless, while Shirreff seems on occasion to grant credit to Sanford at Wingate's expense, it is simply an attempt to demythologize the aura that surrounds the entire expedition and return of the Negus (emperor) to his throne. Certainly an essential work for one seeking to learn about the Ethiopian campaign of World War II. For a more general account of the North African campaigns, I would recommend W G F Jackson's 'The North African Campaign 1940-43' though it has relatively little on this subject.

Fine military look at the defeat of the Fascist Italians
A day by day, group by group look at this remarkable chapter of history and Wingate's role in it. ... Read more

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Trade paperback, 2003. Part of a series on relations between Ethiopia and the United States. ... Read more

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The Liberation Campaign of 1940-1 was not only an event of unique importance in Ethiopia's age-old history, but also, more widely, a major 'turning-point' in World War II: the conflict fought out in East Africa between the Allies and the Axis Powers. The campaign, historically speaking, was no less significant as a decisive act in the overall drama of Africa's liberation from European colonial rule, and the ending of the foreign-imposed Scramble for Africa. This remarkable book provides a valuable account of how these momentous events appeared to an eye-witness of the time. ... Read more

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Ethiopia has recently come to the attention to global strategic planners.This report puts these executives on the fast track.Ten chapters provide: an overview of how to strategically access this important market, a discussion on economic fundamentals, marketing & distribution options, export and direct investment options, and full risk assessments (political, cultural, legal, human resources).Ample statistical benchmarks and comparative graphs are given. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Superb Historical Work
The book "The Life and Times of Menelik II" is superbly written. It gives an overall highly discriptive view of Abyssinian history during the last generations of Ethiopia's empirial dynasty. It is probably the best book that exists about Ethiopia's struggles against European colonialism, specifically the Battle of Adwa. Read this book to discover why Ethiopia was the only country in the early 20th century not yet subjected to European occupation.

A historical foundation of Ethiopia
For those with a historical interest in the nations of Africa will find this book entertaining and easy to read.Well researched, informative, and detailed account of the life of King Menelik II of Ethiopia.Menelik wasthe king responsible for unifying the various tribes within the nation andgenerally created the border that exists today (or, at least, when Eritreawas still part of Ethiopia).Menelik is also famous for his militarygenius which helped defeat the Italian army in 1896 at the Battle of Adwa,thus preventing Ethiopia from being colonized by a European nation.Prof.Harold Marcus also goes into great detail on Ethiopia's dealings with theEuropean nations and its neighboring countries during the rule of KingMenelik II, but his narrative style makes this book very easy to read.Irecommend this book to anyone from high school and up. ... Read more

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Astounding, controversial, thought-provoking... Amazing in its broad sweep and profound depiction of the grand themes in Ethiopia's millennarian Culture. From the remote and exotic traditions of Solomon and Sheba to the legendary, Biblical line of Solomonic Kings, a powerful overview of the incredible trajectory through Bible, History and World affairs of the oldest Royal Dynasty in the annals of mankind... Revealing unknown details of Italy's war crimes in Ethiopia and the prophecies that foretold it... Britain's blood guilt in the commerce of chattal slavery... The destiny and prophetic mission of the Ashanti-Koromantyn slaves and the emergence of the true Judah in the Rastafarians of Jamaica. Never-before-published revelations on the plot to destroy the 'Back to Africa' movement, to crush Ras Tafari and to assassinate its prophets and the King. A rare and extraordinary work,with its haunting and dramatic narrative spanning the centuries unto our days... It is sure to stimulate long, intense debate and rock the comfortable assumptions of conventional beliefs... A fitting sequel to Brook's KEBRA NAGAST ( The Glory of Kings)... Searing the mind with the vivid pictures of Ethiopia's rich heritage and universal legacy. ... Read more

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With a special focus on Europe and the role of German, English and Italian Jewish communities in creating a new Jewish Ethiopian identity, this book investigates the formation of a new Ethiopian Jewish elite. ... Read more

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Sylvia Pankhurst, the former British Suffragette, devoted the last forty years of her life to Anti-Fascism and support for Ethiopia, for many centuries Africa's principal independent state. She responded to Mussolini's invasion of the country in 1935 by founding a weekly newspaper New Times and Ethiopia News, which she was to edit for twenty years. She protested against the Fascist use of poison-gas in Ethiopia, and published news of the Ethiopian patriot resistance. Her paper condemned Britain's "appeasement" of the Axis Dictators, and supported the Republican Government in the Spanish Civil War. After Mussolini's entry into the European War, on the side of Nazi Germany, she agitated against the return to Italy of her African colonies. Ever against colonialism, she clashed with the British Government in demanding the full restoration of Ethiopian independence, and advocated the "reunion" of the former Italian colony of Eritrea with Ethiopia. She raised funds for Ethiopia's first teaching hospital, and wrote extensively on Ethiopian art and culture. Having moved to Addis Ababa in 1956, with her son, the author, she founded a monthly journal, Ethiopia Observer, on many aspects of Ethiopian life and development. She died in 1960, and was buried with the Ethiopian Patriots, in front of Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa, in the presence of the Emperor. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An excellent portrait of Mrs. Punkhurst's life and work
In this beautifully written book, the author, the current leading Ethiopianst and the son of Mrs. Pankhurst, describes and reviews the work of his mother. The book introduces a new generation of Ethiopians and those interested in Ethiopian history to Mrs. Pankhurst's advocacy on behalf of Ethiopia during and after the Italian occupation of Ethiopia. This is definately a must read book!!! ... Read more

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This is the epic story of one man's journey through the highs and lows of twentieth century Ethiopia. Ninety-six-year-old John Moraitis is an Egyptian-born Greek, son of a cigarette manufacturer who started Reuters in Ethiopia and became a confidante of the Emperor Haile Selassie. Follow his struggles during the Italian occupation as a reporter sneaking information to Djibouti for the international press to the turbulent life of the palace and its intrigues. The story of John Moraitis follows the course of Ethiopian history in intimate detail, and gives us afirst-hand look at the turbulent history of the country during the last century. ... Read more

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To find more information on Rowman & Littlefield titles, please visit us at www.rowmanlittlefield.com. ... Read more

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This book provides the first truly comprehensive multi-period study of the archaeology of Ethiopia, surveying the country's history, detailing the discoveries from the late Stone Age, including the famous 'Lucy' and moving onto the emergence of food production, prehistoric rock art and an analysis of the increasing social complexity that can be observed from the remains of the first nucleated settlements. The author then discusses the Aksumite empire, the emergence of Christianity in the Middle Ages and Ethiopia's encounters with the west, leading up to the feudal Ethiopia of the twentieth century and the present day. 

This book is an excellent and very readable story of the rich heritage of this very misunderstood country.

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Established around 1830, the Kingdom of Jimma Abba Jifar was the largest and most powerful of the five monarchies formed by the Oromo in the Gibe region of southwestern Ethiopia. Although the Oromo are known for their democratic ("republican") gada system, Jimma and other Gibe states arose through a series of processes and historical events in the 19th century that propelled certain men into positions of supreme power.Based on intensive fieldwork in Jimma, this book presents a study of the history and organization of Jimma under its most powerful ruler, Abba Jifar II (1878-1932). Lewis stresses the dynamic aspects of politics and places the politicial history and structure of Jimma in perspective by noting its similarities and differences to monarchial systems in other parts of Africa and the rest of the world.He also explores those distinctive aspects of the Oromo culture which gave Jimma Abba Jifar its particular political style and includes an ethnographic study of an Oromo Muslim agricultural community.

This is one of the first published professional anthropological works about the Oromo and will be of strong interest to social scientists as well as African anthropologists and historians. ... Read more